As I begin this journey (retirement) into the unknown, I am allowing myself to meander freely around and about the house going here, then there, not with any great decisive purpose (just yet) and am secretly eavesdropping on my movements and feelings. So, between you and me, these are few of my observations on myself:
I am wanting to keep a schedule. Even to the point of purchasing a calendar. So, I did. Now, it isn’t the size of a plan book, however at the counter viewing the masses of calendars available (couldn’t believe the assortment), I contemplated such a design. (I am retired from teaching, in case you didn’t figure that out.) The calendar is just a small pocket one, at this point, as I am noticing I do not want to lose track of what day it is.
I want mornings set aside for out-door something. Whether it be a run, walk, bike ride, or garden work, somehow I am feeling I want a daily dose of that good fresh air and I want it to occur in the mornings.
I like naps. Preferably a short one about mid-day.
I love that I can do laundry and iron on a Monday, or any weekday for that matter.
I cannot knit for more than a few hours at a time. Not that I don’t want to. It has nothing to do with knitting but everything to do with age. Odd that now that I have the time, my body is telling me something different. So, I am knitting and using house chores in between as those stretch opportunities.
I love knitting at night. I am physically tired by night, and I have no homework! Now, you’re going to say well of course not, it’s summer. But, the general public does not realize that teachers think about school and their work 365.25 days and if a summer day calls them to do something for their job, then they do it. And, I typically would do my homework at night. So, it’s like I’m rebelling by knitting. Then, I tell myself oh, wait! No homework!
I fear the retiree expression, “Every day is a Saturday.” as I want to stay relevant and productive. Historically, Saturdays were set aside from any kind of productivity. It was always considered a day of rest. There were many Saturdays picking up a pair of knitting needles was too much. Empty ones! For relevance and productivity, to me that means reading and writing. My new gorgeous laptop, blog writing and my current read, King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard is helping me with that right now. This idea of relevance or having purpose needs further investigation.
I do not want to set any goals, yet. However, there is a kitchen goal that has somehow organically developed. I will explain in another post. In the meantime, I think this eavesdropping is fun AND informing, so will stay with it a bit longer.
My hubby and I have very different views on retirement.
I am writing this list to have it time stamped. Then, in a few months, I will visit it to see if these thoughts are the same or different as the ones I will be thinking, then. This may help me begin to formulate what direction I want to take.
They, meaning retirees, say that it takes a year to adjust to this new phase in one’s life. I am beginning to think I agree!
Hollyknits 
Pingback: First Year Goal Check – hollyknits
I have been retired for 10 years. I was in the business world previously, in a very competitive and demanding profession. I now look back at that person and asked “who was she”??? 😝I am blessed to have a wonderful husband and cherish the extra times we have had together these past 10 years. I think the first year was the hardest, I thought I had to be constantly productive. Thankfully that feeling passed!!! So I would advise noset-in-concrete” goals or agenda for the first year. Attitude is very important and yours sounds tremendously positive! ENJOY!
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such helpful advice. I thank you and suppose I will be where you are one day.
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I love the idea of having time to listen to your body and let it guide you like this. I am sure things will change over time, as you grow used to “no homework” I am more than 30 years out of school and September STILL feels like when I should be preparing for a big change – I can’t imagine what it would feel like after a lifetime of September school starts. Enjoy the time and do take the year to figure it out. It is true that we need to settle into our major life changes, sounds like you are doing a good job from the start.
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It is not an original idea this eavesdropping thing. Lucy Calkins, guru of Literacy and author of Reading and Writing Units of Study teaches teachers how to eavesdrop on their own reading to inform how best to teach children reading. So, all I have done is implemented this strategy to adjusting to my new life. I was hoping a reader or two would also think it a good idea. It is easier now, this retirement thing, and I have planned a trip in September to help me not be sad when the new school year begins. I am sure I will have my emotional highs and lows, at least for awhile. Thank you for your thoughts!
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great idea to plan something to distract you. :-)
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I just learned to knit. I can only knit for about an hour at a time, so I break it up into a few knitting breaks throughout the day. I’m on my second-ever project, a scarf for a friend. I got the pattern off the internet. It takes a lot of concentration, but I’m sure it’ll get easier with practice. I find the hardest part is figuring out how to switch stitches to left-handed. Youtube videos have been priceless! I want to learn to knit all kinds of things.
How long have you been knitting?
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long, long, long. About 35 years, off and on. Many successes, many failures at the beginning. Yup, with a bit of age behind me I am now needing to break up the knitting times, as well. Congratulations on your 2nd-ever project! That tells me you were successful with your first and that is to be commended! Even as an experienced knitter, I have gone to Youtube videos. Taught myself what are called short rows in that way. I like that you can stop and study the frame and go on at your own speed. My suggestion to you are two things: find patterns that allow you to practice what you know, but maybe have one (only ONE new thing) and get yourself onto Ravelry.com where there are oodles and oodles of patterns, lots of inspiration, and is just a boat load of fun for browsing. Thanks for stopping by! PS. Knitting is awesome therapy and takes your mind far, far away from what ails you. :) Oh, one more thing. Please friend me if you indeed become a member! I am Theyarnista, there.
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It’s good to have plans, but also allow yourself time for reflection and seeing how your body reacts and adjusts to this new life. Keeping active nd setting goals will help you adjust, no doubt.
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yup and agree. That is what I mean by eavesdropping.
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